Grammar Teaching and Learning in L2: Necessary, but Boring?

This descriptive inquiry-based study targeted second language (L2) high school students’ (n = 2321) and teachers’ (n = 45) beliefs and perceptions about grammar instruction, specifically about grammatical accuracy, corrective feedback, and diverse forms of grammar teaching and learning. Results showed only slight discrepancies between students’ and teachers’ beliefs and perceptions, and very few differences according to the target language and students’ gender or age. The main findings suggest that grammar instruction is perceived by both students and teachers as necessary and effective, but not as something they enjoy doing. Implications are discussed in view of the necessity to improve the teaching of L2 grammar, as students’ retention rate and motivation in L2 programs may be affected by the perceived as necessary but “oh so boring” learning of grammar!